India has rejected that there is any linkage between religion and terrorism. In his address at 9th East Asia Summit at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that challenges of terrorism and extremism are increasing and they are linked to drugs, money laundering.

On global norms for peace in the South China Sea, the Prime Minister said that in a world of inter-dependence and globalization, there is no option but to follow international laws and norms. Mr. Modi said that it is to be ensured that cyber and space remain a source of connectivity and prosperity and not new threat for conflict. He said, India supports the East Asia Summit Declaration on the Islamic State.

On co-operation in tackling the threat of Ebola virus , Mr. Modi said India has contributed USD 12 million in the efforts against Ebola. On clean energy, the Prime Minister said that though substantial progress has been made on the issue since last Summits , there is need for working together and taking new initiatives.

Talking about India's Act East Policy, the Prime Minister said that India has changed its Look East policy into Act East policy in the last six months to give it an action orientation.

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister said that ASEAN’s success is an inspiration for broader integration in the Asia-Pacific region.
Before his address, Mr. Modi held bilateral talks with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Mededev.Prime Minister exuded confidence that India-Russia relations will further strengthen .

Recalling his visit to Russia in 2001 , Mr. Modi said that India and Russia are close friends. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Mededev said that India is a close and valued partner of Russian and said that there are many areas where both the countries are cooperating.

The 9th East Asia Summit began in Myanmar capital of Nya Pyi Taw. It is being attended by ten ASEAN countries and eight other countries of Asia- Pacific including United States, Russia, China and Australia.

East Asia Summit is a forum held annually by leaders of 18 countries and Summit meetings are held after annual ASEAN leaders’ meetings. The first summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 14 December 2005.